Support frame intended to be integrated into a frame for cooling glass sheets

Abstract

The invention relates to a support frame (222) intended to be integrated into a frame for cooling glass sheets (10), including a track (222_1) configured to receive a glass sheet as well as a support member (222_2) attached to the track, referred to as "track support", the support frame further including a deflector (222_7) attached to the track support and extending towards the inner space delimited by the support frame.

Description

Support frame intended to be integrated into a glass sheet cooling frame

[0001] The present invention belongs to the general field of glazing production.

[0002] The invention relates more particularly to a support frame intended to be integrated into a frame for cooling glass sheets, as well as a device configured to achieve confinement of a glass sheet during the cooling thereof within a device for cooling glass sheets. The invention finds a particularly advantageous, although in no way limiting, application in the cooling of glass sheets which have been shaped to equip motor cars and whose thickness is relatively small, for example less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0003] In order to produce glass sheets having a specific shape, for example automotive glazing, it is known to use a shaping installation. The diagram shows, in its environment, an example of an embodiment of an INS_OLD shaping installation as known from the state of the art.

[0004] As illustrated by the, the INS_OLD installation comprises a conveying device 12 corresponding more particularly here to a series of rectilinear rollers aligned in a plane to carry out a horizontal movement of a glass sheet 1. The conveying is carried out initially through a heating zone 11 conventionally comprising an oven, preferably of the tunnel type, so as to bring the sheet 1 to a softening temperature. The sheet 1 is then conveyed, upon leaving the oven, to a device 13 configured to shape the sheet 1 thus heated.

[0005] Conventionally, the shaping device 13 corresponds to a bending station in which a lower frame 13_1 (also called a “pressing frame”) lifts the glass sheet 1 to press it against an upper mold 13_2 (also called a “bending mold”) and thus give it the desired shape.

[0006] Once the glass sheet 1 has been shaped, a transfer system 14 transfers the sheet 1 from the shaping device 13 to a cooling device 15. For example, the cooling device 15 is configured to carry out thermal tempering using one or more tempering boxes (this therefore involves sudden and rapid cooling obtained with significant blowing pressure from the tempering box(es).

[0007] The transfer system 14 more particularly comprises a collection frame 14_1 configured to collect the glass sheet 1 after it has been shaped by the shaping mold 13_2. In a manner known per se, the collection frame 14_1 comprises an external frame, also called a “transport frame,” as well as a cooling frame (not shown in the) positioned in the internal space delimited by the transport frame. The cooling frame is itself formed by: - ​​a first frame, called a “support frame,” of a general shape substantially identical to that of the transport frame and connected to the latter by connecting elements, and - by a second frame, called a “support frame,” positioned in the internal space delimited by the support frame and connected to the latter by other connecting elements.The support frame forms the part of the cooling frame on which a glass sheet is intended to rest after its shaping by the shaping mold 13_2.

[0008] The transfer system 14 further comprises a movement shuttle 14_2 configured to move the collection frame 14_1 between the shaping device 13 and the cooling device 15 (the movement being symbolized on the figure by dotted arrows substantially parallel to the horizontal direction of conveyance of the glass).

[0009] This method of shaping glass sheets is particularly well suited to forming strong glass, particularly very strong glass known as "tempered" (via the use of thermal tempering cooling), which is generally more than 3 mm thick. However, it has limitations when it comes to shaping glass sheets with a thinner thickness.

[0010] Indeed, the more the thickness of a glass sheet decreases, the more quickly it cools (after being heated to be shaped), in particular at its edges. This is particularly the case when the glass sheet is transferred between the shaping device 13 and the cooling device 15, but also, of course, within the cooling device 15 itself. This accelerated cooling is the source of unwanted stresses on the surface and in the mass of the glass, and which have the effect of weakening the latter.

[0011] As manufacturers have tended to gradually reduce the thickness of glass sheets over the past few years, they have sought to overcome the problems mentioned above. Thus, a first adaptation of the process described above was implemented for the production of so-called "hardened" glass, which is thinner than tempered glass. The heat treatments undergone by hardened glass are similar to thermal tempering except that cooling is carried out more slowly, in particular by reducing the blowing pressure of the tempering boxes.

[0012] While these modifications are useful in the case of toughened glass, they are nonetheless insufficient when manufacturing even thinner glass sheets. This is particularly true for glass sheets less than 3 mm thick and intended for the assembly of laminated glazing, which accounts for a significant proportion of current production.

[0013] Furthermore, the aforementioned modifications only concern the treatments implemented within the cooling device. In other words, and regardless of the thickness of the glass sheet in question, they do not limit the cooling undergone by the latter during its collection and transfer, and therefore remain deficient with regard to the problem of glass embrittlement.

[0014] The present invention aims to overcome all or part of the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular those set out above, by proposing a solution which makes it possible to collect, transfer and cool sheets of glass, in particular thin sheets of glass, more efficiently than the solutions of the prior art, by minimizing the stresses undergone by the glass as it cools, and thus greatly limiting the risk of embrittlement.

[0015] To this end, and according to a first aspect, the invention relates to a support frame intended to be integrated into a frame for cooling glass sheets, comprising a track configured to receive a glass sheet as well as a support fixed to said track, called "track support", said support frame further comprising a deflector fixed to the track support and extending towards the interior space delimited by the support frame.

[0016] Thus, the deflector constitutes a means configured to block (deflect) air movements in the vicinity of the track, in particular at the periphery of the track facing the inside of the cooling frame (and therefore towards the inside of the support frame). Such air movements can contribute to uncontrolled cooling of the glass sheet, more particularly at its edges, which the deflector advantageously tends to minimize.

[0017] Another advantageous effect resulting from the use of such a deflector lies in the fact that it is able to confine the heat radiation emitted by the hot glass deposited on the track. Such confinement of heat radiation contributes advantageously to better control of the cooling of the glass sheet.

[0018] In other words, the deflector, because it locally blocks air movements but also locally confines heat radiation, makes it possible to minimize the stresses undergone by the glass sheet, particularly at its periphery, as soon as it cools (i.e. as soon as it has been shaped), and thus greatly limit the risk of embrittlement.

[0019] In particular embodiments, the support frame may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0020] In particular embodiments, the deflector extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 20 mm and 300 mm, more particularly between 50 mm and 150 mm, for example equal or substantially equal to 80 mm.

[0021] In particular embodiments, the deflector comprises a fabric, for example a woven metal fabric or a metal felt-type fabric or a fiberglass fabric.

[0022] In particular embodiments, the deflector comprises a mesh, for example a 1 mm by 1 mm mesh, on which said fabric is fixed.

[0023] In particular embodiments, at least one leg is fixed to the track support and extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame, the deflector being arranged in contact with said leg so as to be supported by it.

[0024] In particular embodiments, the track comprises a portion configured to receive the glass sheet flat.

[0025] Having a flat support for the glass sheet on the track, thanks to said portion, advantageously makes it possible to increase the range of the edge of the glass sheet, and therefore to limit the stresses (in particular surface pressure) at the level of this edge when the sheet is placed on the support frame.

[0026] In particular embodiments, said portion extends, from one end of the track 222_1 facing the interior space delimited by the support frame, over a distance of between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example equal to 20 mm.

[0027] In particular embodiments: - the track extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 30 mm and 70 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 50 mm, and - the track support extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 20 mm and 30 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 25 mm.

[0028] In particular embodiments, said support frame comprises a covering surrounding the track as well as the track support, and configured to limit thermal exchanges between the glass sheet and the track.

[0029] In particular embodiments, said support frame comprises means for heating the track.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the invention relates to a frame for cooling glass sheets comprising a support frame according to the invention.

[0031] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a containment device intended to be integrated into a device for cooling glass sheets, said cooling device being configured to accommodate a cooling frame and comprising a blowing box configured to blow air at the upper surface of a glass sheet resting on said cooling frame. Said containment device is shaped like a bell delimiting an interior space and configured to be brought into contact at its edge with the cooling frame so that: - contact is made on either side of the glass sheet resting on the cooling frame, and - the blowing box is arranged in said interior space delimited by the containment device.

[0032] The containment device, when placed in contact with the cooling frame, therefore advantageously allows the area located above the glass sheet to be confined, so as to isolate it from its immediate environment. In this way, it is possible to avoid, when the cooling is started, parasitic air movements disturbing the upper surface of the glass sheet. This results in a homogenization of the temperature on the upper part of the glass sheet, without however blocking the continuity of its cooling, which contributes very effectively to minimizing the stresses undergone by the glass during its cooling, and thus very significantly limiting the risk of embrittlement.

[0033] In particular embodiments, the edge is provided with air-tightness means configured to make contact with the glass sheet resting on the cooling frame, such as for example a seal made of braided ceramic.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a device for cooling glass sheets configured to accommodate a cooling frame and comprising a blowing box configured to blow air at the upper surface of a glass sheet resting on said cooling frame. Said cooling device comprises a containment device according to the invention as well as means for moving the containment device to bring it into contact with the cooling frame.

[0035] According to a fifth aspect, the invention relates to a method for cooling at least one glass sheet implemented using a cooling frame according to the invention and / or a cooling device according to the invention.

[0036] In particular embodiments, the thickness of said at least one glass sheet is less than 3 mm, for example less than 2.6 mm, preferably less than 2.1 mm.

[0037] According to a sixth aspect, the invention relates to a use of a glass sheet obtained by a cooling process according to the invention in a dwelling or in road, air, sea or rail means of transport, preferably as window glazing in motor vehicles, in particular as windshield, rear glazing, side glazing or roof glazing.

[0038] According to a seventh aspect, the invention relates to an installation for shaping glass sheets, said installation comprising:- a zone for heating the glass sheets,- a device for shaping the glass sheets,- a device for conveying the glass sheets through said heating zone and to the shaping device,- a device for cooling the glass sheets,- a system for transferring the glass sheets from the shaping device to the cooling device.Furthermore, said cooling device is in accordance with the invention and / or the transfer system comprises a cooling frame in accordance with the invention.

[0039] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the appended drawings which illustrate an exemplary embodiment thereof without any limiting character. In the figures:

[0040] schematically represents, in its environment, an example of the embodiment of a shaping installation as known from the state of the art;

[0041] schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of a shaping installation according to the invention;

[0042] represents, in top view, an exemplary embodiment of a collection frame belonging to the shaping installation, said collection frame comprising a cooling frame according to the invention;

[0043] is an enlarged representation, in three-quarter view, of a portion of the collection frame of the;

[0044] schematically represents, in a sectional view, a portion of a support frame integrated into the cooling frame;

[0045] is an enlarged representation of a portion of the support frame of the;

[0046] schematically represents a particular embodiment of a cooling device belonging to the shaping installation of the;

[0047] represents, in the form of a flowchart, the main steps of a method for cooling at least one sheet of glass according to the invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0048] Schematically represents, in its environment, a particular embodiment of an INS_NEW shaping installation according to the invention. Said INS_NEW installation is configured to shape at least one glass sheet 10.

[0049] A "glass sheet" means a plate formed from a transparent material. For example, the transparent material may be mineral glass, such as soda-lime, aluminosilicate, or borosilicate glass. Alternatively, the transparent material may be organic glass, such as stretched polymethyl methacrylate (stretched PMMA), unstretched polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or polyurethane (PU).

[0050] For the remainder of the description, and in order to simplify it, the shaping of a single glass sheet 10 is considered in a non-limiting manner. These considerations are however not limiting of the invention, it being understood that the invention also applies to the serial shaping of a plurality of glass sheets (in which case, the steps described below are iterated for each of the glass sheets considered).

[0051] It is also considered in a non-limiting manner that the glass sheet 10 is intended, following its shaping, for the manufacture of laminated glazing to equip a motor vehicle, such as for example a car. This is more specifically a car windshield, but nothing of course excludes the possibility of considering rear glazing, side glazing or even roof glazing.

[0052] It is important to note, however, that considering such a type of glazing as well as such an application of the use of this glazing constitutes only a variant implementation of the invention. Also, and in general, no limitation is attached to the type of glazing that can be manufactured using the glass sheet 10 intended to be shaped (examples: tempered or semi-tempered glazing, depending on the cooling applied, as detailed below). In the same way, no limitation is attached to the use that can be made of the glazing thus obtained from the shaped glass sheet 10. Thus, this use can for example be made in a home or even in any type of means of transport (road, air, sea or rail).

[0053] In the present embodiment, the glass sheet 10 has a thickness of less than 3 mm, for example less than 2.6 mm, preferably less than 2.1 mm. When this thickness is less than 3 mm, it can be described as low, to which the present invention is particularly well suited, unlike the state of the art. The fact remains that the thickness of the glass sheet 10 does not in itself constitute a limitation of the invention, and nothing precludes considering a glass sheet whose thickness is greater than 3 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 6 mm.

[0054] The shape given to the glass sheet 10 is of any type known per se. For example, the shaping of the glass sheet 10 may be such that it has a deflection of between 0 and 500 mm, for example equal to 250 mm. Of course, such glass deflection values ​​are given here purely for illustrative purposes, and nothing precludes considering other values. Generally speaking, the person skilled in the art knows the limitations that may be imposed on a glass sheet in terms of deflection depending on the application sought for it, but also on the shaping technique used.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated by the, said shaping installation INS_NEW comprises a heating zone Z_HEAT, a conveying device D_CONV, a shaping device D_FORM, a transfer system SYS_T as well as a cooling device D_COLD.

[0056] The heating zone Z_HEAT can be implemented conventionally by a furnace, preferably of the tunnel type, through which the glass sheet 10 is transported by the conveying device D_CONV. The conveying device D_CONV corresponds more particularly here to a series of rectilinear rollers aligned in a plane to achieve a horizontal movement of the glass sheet 10. The glass sheet 10 is thus transported along a horizontal rectilinear path included in this plane. However, considering such rollers only constitutes an alternative implementation of the invention, and nothing excludes the possibility of considering other variants, such as for example a conveyor belt.

[0057] Inside the heating zone Z_HEAT, the glass sheet 10 is brought to a softening temperature which is preferably between 600°C (degrees Celsius) and 700°C.

[0058] The shaping device D_FORM is arranged in the immediate vicinity of the outlet of the heating zone Z_HEAT. More particularly, the shaping device D_FORM is configured in accordance with a bending station. For this purpose, the shaping device D_FORM comprises a pressing frame 110 capable of lifting the glass sheet 10 to press it against a shaping mold 120 and thus give it the desired shape (i.e. the shaping mold 120 comprises a face having the shape in question and against which the softened glass sheet 10 is pressed).

[0059] According to a more particular embodiment, the pressing frame 110 and / or the shaping mold 120 comprises heating means (not shown in the figures). Such heating means are advantageously configured to regulate the temperature of the glass sheet 10 after it leaves the heating zone Z_HEAT, so that the shaping can be carried out at a determined temperature.

[0060] Once curved, the glass sheet 10 is taken over by the transfer system SYS_T to be transferred from the shaping device D_FORM to the cooling device D_COLD. Within the cooling device D_COLD, the glass sheet 10 undergoes cooling (i.e. the glass sheet 10 is stiffened, frozen, under the effect of forced cooling applied to it). This cooling makes it possible to reduce the temperature of the glass sheet 10 sufficiently so that it retains, when it leaves the cooling device D_COLD, a shape as close as possible to the shape obtained using the shaping device D_FORM.

[0061] It should be noted that no limitation is attached to the type of cooling applied to the glass sheet. In a known manner, the cooling applied may in particular depend on the thickness of the glass sheet 10, it being understood that the greater this thickness, the more the glass sheet 10 is able to undergo significant forced cooling, such as for example semi-thermal quenching, or even thermal quenching. The “force” of the cooling is typically representative of the blowing pressure exerted in boxes comprising nozzles and equipping the cooling device D_COLD.

[0062] For example, for a thickness greater than 3 mm, tempering may be considered using a blowing pressure of between 0.1 bar and 0.4 bar. For thicknesses of the same order, semi-tempering may be considered using a lower blowing pressure, for example between 0.03 bar and 0.1 bar. For thicknesses less than 3 mm, for example between 1.6 mm and 2.1 mm, and in particular in the context of laminated glass, cooling may be considered with a blowing force lower than that of tempering, or even semi-tempering, for example between 0.01 bar and 0.05 bar (preferably less than 0.03 bar).

[0063] As already mentioned above, the shaping installation INS_NEW comprises the transfer system SYS_T, the latter comprising in particular: - a collection frame 200 configured to collect the glass sheet 10 after it has been shaped by the shaping device D_FORM (and when the sheet 10 is held against the shaping mold 120 by means of appropriate suction means, the collection being carried out by dropping the glass sheet 10 onto the collection frame 200), - a movement shuttle 400 configured to move the collection frame 200 between the shaping device D_FORM and the cooling device D_COLD (the movement being symbolized by dotted arrows on the).For this purpose, in the present embodiment, the collection frame 200 is arranged at the end of the movement shuttle 400 closest to the shaping device D_FORM and is integral with this end in the movement of the shuttle 400.

[0064] No limitation is attached to the means used to set the movement shuttle 400 in motion between the shaping device D_FORM and the cooling device D_COLD. For example, the transfer system SYS_T may comprise a drive motor as well as a movement support, such as for example a guide rail. These aspects being well known, they are not described further here.

[0065] La represents, in top view, an exemplary embodiment of the collection frame 200 according to the invention.

[0066] This is an enlarged representation, in three-quarter view, of a portion of the 200 collection frame of the.

[0067] In the remainder of the description, the longitudinal, transverse and vertical orientations are adopted, without limitation, with reference respectively to the letters X, Y and Z of the trihedron (X, Y, Z) shown in Figures 3 and 4. It follows from these considerations that the collection frame 200 is seen in the vertical direction Z, this direction Z being normal to the mean plane extending in the directions X, Y and in which the collection frame 200 is included (by "mean plane", we conventionally refer to a plane having an adequate thickness to contain said collection frame 200, and therefore a fortiori the elements composing the latter and which are described below).

[0068] In a manner known per se, and as illustrated by figures 3 and 4 in a non-limiting manner, the collection frame 200 comprises an external frame, also called “transport frame” 210, as well as a cooling frame 220 positioned in the internal space delimited by the transport frame 210.

[0069] The cooling frame 220 is itself formed by: - ​​a first frame, called "support frame" 221, of a general shape substantially identical to that of the transport frame 210 (in this example it is a rectangular shape) and connected to the latter by connecting elements 221_L, and - by a second frame, called "support frame" 222, positioned in the internal space delimited by the support frame 221 and connected to the latter by other connecting elements 222_L. The support frame 222 is the part of the cooling frame 220 on which the glass sheet 10 is intended to rest after its shaping by the shaping mold 120.

[0070] It therefore emerges from this configuration that the support frame 221 occupies, in the plane (X, Y), an intermediate position between the transport frame 210 and the support frame 222. In addition, the fixing elements connecting the support frame 221 to the transport frame 210 (respectively the support frame 222 to the support frame 221) are of a type known per se, so as to maintain said support frame 221 (respectively said support frame 222) in a fixed position with respect to said transport frame 210 (respectively said support frame 221).

[0071] By way of illustration, in the, three fastening elements 221_L connecting the support frame 221 to the transport frame 210 are arranged on either side of the support frame 221 in the direction of the X axis (there are therefore six fastening elements 221_L). Furthermore, thirty-two fastening elements 222_L connecting the support frame 222 to the support frame 221 are distributed substantially uniformly all around the support frame 222. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited by the number of fastening elements 221_L (respectively of fastening elements 222_L) which can be used, nor even by their distribution all along the edge of the support frame 221 (respectively of the support frame 222).

[0072] The support frame 222 has a shape similar to that of the glass sheet 10 that it is intended to receive, therefore in this case a windshield. For this purpose, and as illustrated in the, the support frame 222 has, in top view (i.e. in the Z direction), four edges: - a front edge 222_X1 and a rear edge 222_X2, opposite each other and both extending essentially in the Y direction, - a top edge 222_Y1 and a bottom edge 222_Y2, opposite each other and both extending essentially in the X direction.

[0073] It schematically represents, along a section plane normal to the mean plane in which the cooling frame 220 is included (i.e. along a plane normal to the plane (X, Y)), a portion of the support frame 222.

[0074] As illustrated by the, the support frame 222 comprises a track 222_1 configured to receive the glass sheet 10. Said track 222_1 therefore corresponds to the effective part of the support frame 222 on which the glass sheet 10 rests when it is supported by the collection frame 200.

[0075] More particularly, in the present embodiment, the track 222_1 comprises a portion 222_1_P configured to receive the glass sheet 10 flat. In other words, the glass sheet 10 rests flat on this single portion 222_1_P of the track 222_1. The production of such a flat support of the edge of the glass sheet 10 depends on several parameters, including in particular the inclination of the track 222_1 (more precisely its relative inclination with respect to the edge of the glass sheet 10), but also the dimensions of the track 222_1.

[0076] By way of non-limiting example, the track may extend towards the interior space delimited by the support frame 222 (i.e. extend radially) over a distance of between 30 mm and 70 mm, for example over a distance equal to or substantially equal to 50 mm. The portion 222_1_P on which the glass sheet 10 rests flat may for example extend (radially), from an end 222_1_E1 of the track 222_1 facing towards the interior space delimited by the support frame 222, over a distance of between 5 mm and 30 mm, more specifically over a distance equal to or substantially equal to 20 mm.

[0077] However, nothing excludes the possibility of considering other values ​​for the distance over which runway 222_1 extends and / or the distance over which portion 222_1_P extends.

[0078] The fact of having a flat support for the glass sheet 10 on the track 222_1, thanks to said portion 222_1_P, advantageously makes it possible to increase the range of the edge of the glass sheet 10, and therefore to limit the stresses (in particular surface pressure) at this edge when the sheet 10 is placed on the support frame. It is important, however, to note that such arrangements are not limiting of the invention, and nothing excludes, for example, the possibility of contact between the edge of the glass sheet 10 and the track 222_1 being made at a given angle, for example an angle substantially equal to 10°.

[0079] In addition to the track 222_1, the support frame 222 also comprises a track support 222_2 fixed to the track 222_1. More particularly, in the present embodiment, the track support 222_2 is fixed to the track 222_1 at an end 222_1_E2 of the track 222_1 facing the outside of the support frame 222 (i.e. facing the support frame 221, it being understood that the expression “facing” also means “facing”). Said end 222_1_E2 is therefore opposite the end 222_1_E1 mentioned above. Said fixing is here carried out by means of a screw 222_3 and a nut 222_4. That being said, any fixing means known per se can be used.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the track support 222_2 extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame 222 over a distance less than that over which the track 222_1 extends. For example, the track support 222_2 may extend towards the interior space delimited by the support frame 222 over a distance of between 20 mm and 30 mm, for example over a distance equal to or substantially equal to 25 mm. However, nothing precludes the possibility of considering other values.

[0081] Furthermore, no limitation is attached to the gap between the track 222_1 and the support of the track 222_2. For example, this gap can be between 20 mm and 60 mm, more specifically be equal to 22 mm.

[0082] Furthermore, and as illustrated by the, the support frame 222 also comprises, in the present embodiment, heating means 222_5 of the track 222_1. The presence of such heating means 222_5 is optional, the latter being configured to heat (and ultimately regulate the temperature) the track 222_1, so as to reduce the temperature differences between the shaped glass sheet 10 and said track 222_1. Said heating means 222_5 comprise, for example, electrical resistors arranged below the track 222_1, at the end 222_1_E1 opposite that where the track support 222_2 is fixed.

[0083] Additionally, in the present embodiment, the support frame 222 also comprises a coating 222_6 surrounding the track 222_1 and the track support 222_2, and configured to limit the heat exchanges between the shaped glass sheet 10 and the track 222_1. The presence of such a coating 222_6 is optional, and allows the glass sheet 10, due to the limitation of said heat exchanges, to locally reduce the heat loss at its edges during its transfer. These functionalities are achieved in particular through the use of suitable materials for producing said coating 222_6, such as for example woven stainless steel fabric or stainless steel felt. In addition, no limitation is attached to the manner in which said coating 222_6 is held fixedly to the support frame 222.For example, this may involve welding on the appropriate surfaces of the support frame 222, fixing by means of Velcro previously fixed to the surface of the track 222_1, manual fixing (for example by means of a metal wire), etc. It should be noted that the use of such a coating 222_6 has the additional advantage of creating a “soft” surface (i.e. capable of limiting damage, in particular by scratching, to the surface of the glass sheet 10 when it is deposited on said coating 222_6).

[0084] According to the invention, the support frame 222 also comprises a deflector 222_7. Said deflector 222_7 is fixed to the track support 222_2 and extends (radially) towards the interior space delimited by the support frame 222.

[0085] In the present embodiment, and as illustrated by the in no way limiting, the deflector extends from an end 222_2_E1 of the track support 222_2 facing the interior space delimited by the support frame 222. Said distance over which the deflector extends is for example between 20 mm and 300 mm, more particularly between 50 mm and 150 mm, for example equal or substantially equal to 80 mm.

[0086] However, nothing precludes considering other values ​​of said distance which can be adapted according to the shape and size of the glass sheet 10. In this respect, the invention also covers embodiments in which the deflector occupies the entire interior space delimited by the support frame 222.

[0087] Said deflector 222_7 constitutes a means configured to block (deflect) air movements in the vicinity of the track 222_1, in particular at the periphery of the track 222_1 facing towards the inside of the cooling frame 220.

[0088] The air movements in question refer in particular to vertical convection movements, obtained by chimney effect, and likely to appear during the transfer phase of the shaped glass sheet 10, but also within the cooling device D_COLD itself. Such air movements can contribute to uncontrolled cooling of the glass sheet 10, more particularly at its edges, which the deflector 222_7 advantageously tends to minimize.

[0089] Another advantageous effect resulting from the use of such a deflector 222_7 lies in the fact that it is capable of confining the heat radiation emitted by the hot glass deposited on the track 222_1. Such confinement of heat radiation advantageously contributes to better control of the cooling of the glass sheet 10.

[0090] In other words, the deflector 222_7, because it locally blocks air movements but also locally confines heat radiation, makes it possible to minimize the stresses undergone by the glass sheet 10, in particular at its periphery, as soon as it cools (i.e. as soon as it has been shaped), and thus very significantly limit the risk of embrittlement.

[0091] This is an enlarged representation of a portion of the support frame 222 illustrating an exemplary embodiment of said deflector 222_7.

[0092] In this example, the deflector 222_7 comprises a fabric. This is, for example, a woven metal fabric or a metal felt-type fabric or even a fiberglass fabric. In addition to said fabric, the deflector 222_7 also comprises a mesh, for example a 1 mm x 1 mm mesh, on which said fabric is fixed.

[0093] It should be noted that the association of a mesh with said fabric is optional, these aspects being able to depend in particular on the rigidity of the fabric used. The mesh being by definition “porous” (due to the meshes which compose it), it helps to contribute to the temperature regulation of the deflector 222_7. This prevents the deflector 22_7 from being charged with heat during a mass production of glazing and radiating this heat onto the glass.

[0094] Furthermore, if a mesh is used, the fabric can be fixed to the mesh using any means known to those skilled in the art, depending in particular on the nature of the fabric used (fixing by welding, gluing, stapling, etc.).

[0095] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the attachment of the deflector 222_7 to the track support 222_2 is carried out by means of a plurality of tabs 222_8. Each tab 222_8 is attached to said track support 222_2 and extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame 222. The deflector 222_7 being arranged in contact with said tabs 222_8 so as to be supported by them.

[0096] In this example (and although only one tab 222_8 is shown for reasons of readability), the tabs 222_8 are distributed uniformly along the entire length of the track support 222_2, it being understood that the deflector 222_7 itself is arranged over the entire periphery of the track support 222_2. In addition, each tab 222_8 has a first end 222_8_E1 facing the interior space delimited by the support frame 222 and extending (substantially) in the Z direction. In this way, said end 222_8_E1 forms a stop against which the deflector 222_7 bears. Each leg 222_8 also has a second end 222_8_E2, opposite the first end 222_8_E1, and shaped in a U so that the track support 222_2 is embedded inside said U.

[0097] These provisions are however not limiting of the invention, and nothing excludes the possibility of considering other embodiments in which the tabs 222_8 are not distributed uniformly around the track support 222_2 and / or have differently shaped ends. The deflector 222_7 can furthermore be made in several pieces, or in a single piece arranged only on a portion of the periphery of the track support 222_2 (in which case, depending on the size of said portion, it can be envisaged to have only one tab 222_8).

[0098] Furthermore, the fact of using tabs 222_8 to achieve the attachment of the deflector 222_7 to the track support 222_2 does not constitute a limitation of the invention either. In general, any attachment means known per se can be used (welding, gluing, etc.).

[0099] In the embodiment described here, the shaping installation INS_NEW, in addition to the fact that it integrates (via the transfer system SYS_T) the cooling frame 220 described above, also proves advantageous with respect to the problem of controlling the cooling of the glass sheet 10 in that the cooling device D_COLD includes a device configured to create a confinement zone around the glass sheet 10 when it is introduced therein, called “confinement device 300”.

[0100] Schematically represents a particular embodiment of the cooling device D_COLD integrating said confinement device 300.

[0101] As illustrated by the, the cooling device comprises two blowing boxes, namely an upper blowing box 310 and a lower blowing box 320.

[0102] The upper blowing box 310 (respectively lower 320) is arranged above (respectively below), i.e. along the Z direction, of the support frame 222. In this way, said upper blowing box 310 (respectively lower 320) is configured to blow air at the upper surface of the glass sheet 10 resting on said cooling frame (more precisely resting on the support frame 222).

[0103] It should be noted that the presence of the lower blowing box 302 is optional. Said lower blowing box 302 constitutes a cooling means making it possible to accelerate, if necessary, the cooling of the glass sheet 10 in a more homogeneous manner.

[0104] In order to create said confinement zone around the glass sheet 10, the confinement device 300 is shaped like a bell. By "bell" is meant here a shape comprising a base 301 as well as side walls 302, so as to delimit an interior space 303 between said side walls 302. No limitation is attached to the shape of said base 301, which can for example be a rectangular, square, circular plate, etc.

[0105] The edge of the containment device 300 is defined as being the meeting of the ends of the side walls 302, said ends being opposite the junction between the side walls 302 and the base 301.

[0106] The containment device 300, in addition to being shaped like a bell, is also configured to be placed in contact at its edge with the cooling frame 220 so that: - the contact is made on either side of the glass sheet 10 resting on the cooling frame 220, and - the upper blowing box 310 is arranged in said interior space 303 delimited by the containment device 300.

[0107] The containment device 300 is for example made of steel. That being said, no limitation is attached to the nature of the material(s) used to manufacture the containment device 300, provided that this or these materials are capable of withstanding (without deformation) temperatures at least between 300°C and 400°C.

[0108] To bring the edge of the containment device 300 into contact with the cooling frame 220, the cooling device D_COLD comprises suitable movement means (not shown in the figures). For example, said movement means may comprise a robotic arm provided with gripping means for gripping the containment device 300 in order to move it.

[0109] The confinement device 300, when brought into contact with the cooling frame 220, therefore advantageously makes it possible to confine the area located above the glass sheet 10, so as to isolate it from its immediate environment. In this way, it is possible to avoid, when the cooling is started, parasitic air movements disturbing the upper surface of the glass sheet 10. This results in a homogenization of the temperature on the upper part of the glass sheet 10, without however blocking the continuity of its cooling, which contributes very effectively to minimizing the stresses undergone by the glass during its cooling, and thus very significantly limiting the risk of embrittlement.

[0110] In a more particular embodiment (not illustrated in the figures), the edge of the containment device 300 may be provided with air-tightness means configured to make contact with the glass sheet 10 resting on the cooling frame 220. In other words, in this example, the contact between said edge and the cooling frame 220 is made indirectly via said air-tightness means. The use of the latter makes it possible to achieve even more effective containment.

[0111] By way of illustration, said airtightness means may take the form of a seal made of braided ceramic and fixed to the edge of the containment device 300.

[0112] The invention also relates to a method for cooling at least one sheet of glass. Said method is implemented using a cooling frame 220 meeting the technical characteristics described above and / or a cooling device D_COLD meeting the technical characteristics described above. Steps of said cooling method are illustrated in the, according to a particular embodiment.

[0113] The cooling process begins after the shaping of a glass sheet 10 by the shaping mold 120, and assuming that the collection frame 200 has already been positioned below said shaping mold 120 using the shuttle 400. Therefore, and as can be seen in the, the cooling process comprises a step H10 of receiving the glass sheet 10 by the collection frame 200, the latter comprising in particular the transport frame 210 as well as the cooling frame 220 according to the invention (i.e. the cooling frame 220 comprising the support frame 222 according to the invention). This reception of the glass sheet 10 follows the release thereof by the shaping mold 120, after the suction means which equip it are deactivated.

[0114] The method then comprises a step H20 of transferring the glass sheet 10 from the shaping device D_FORM to the cooling device D_COLD. This transfer is carried out using the transfer system SYS_T (more particularly using an appropriate movement of the shuttle 400).

[0115] Finally, once the collection frame 200 is placed within the cooling device D_COLD according to the invention (i.e. the cooling device D_COLD comprising the confinement device 300 according to the invention), a step H30 of cooling the glass sheet 10 is implemented.

[0116] It should be noted that, if the support frame 222 is equipped with heating means 222_5, these can be advantageously used during all or part of said steps H10, H20, H30 of the cooling method, in order to contribute to the regulation of the temperature of the glass sheet 10, and in particular the edges thereof.

[0117] Finally, if the cooling method has been described above as comprising said steps H10 to H30, nothing precludes considering other implementation variants in which step H10, or steps H10 and H20, are not included in said method.

[0118] Finally, the invention has been described so far by considering that the cooling frame 220 integrating the support frame 222 equipped with the deflector 222_7 as well as the cooling device D_COLD integrating the confinement device 300 are both used in the shaping installation INS_NEW. These provisions are however not limiting of the invention, and nothing excludes the possibility of the shaping installation INS_NEW comprising only one or the other of these elements. Indeed, both the cooling frame 220 thus configured and the cooling device D_COLD thus configured each constitute a technical solution to the problem of minimizing the stresses undergone by the glass during its cooling.

Claims

Support frame (222) intended to be integrated into a glass sheet cooling frame (10), comprising a track (222_1) configured to receive a glass sheet as well as a support (222_2) fixed to said track, called "track support", said support frame further comprising a deflector (222_7) fixed to the track support and extending towards the interior space delimited by the support frame. Support frame (222) according to claim 1, wherein the deflector (222_7) extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 20 mm and 300 mm, more particularly between 50 mm and 150 mm, for example equal to 80 mm. A support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the deflector (222_7) comprises a fabric, for example a woven metal fabric or a metal felt-type fabric or a glass fiber fabric. Support frame (222) according to claim 3, in which the deflector (222_7) comprises a mesh, for example a mesh of 1 mm by 1 mm, on which said fabric is fixed. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one leg (222_8) is fixed to the track support (222_2) and extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame, the deflector (222_7) being arranged in contact with said leg so as to be supported by it. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in which the track (222_1) comprises a portion (222_1_P) configured to receive the glass sheet (10) flat. Support frame (222) according to claim 6, wherein said portion (222_1_P) extends, from one end of the track facing the interior space delimited by the support frame, over a distance of between 15 mm and 25 mm, for example equal to 20 mm. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, in which:- the track (222_1) extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 30 mm and 70 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 50 mm, and- the track support (222_2) extends towards the interior space delimited by the support frame over a distance of between 20 mm and 30 mm, for example equal to or substantially equal to 25 mm. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, said support frame comprising a covering (222_6) surrounding the track (222_1) as well as the track support (222_2), and configured to limit thermal exchanges between the glass sheet (10) and the track. Support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said support frame comprising heating means (222_5) of the track (222_1). Frame (220) for cooling glass sheets (10) comprising a support frame (222) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. Containment device (300) intended to be integrated into a cooling device (D_COLD) for glass sheets (10), said cooling device being configured to accommodate a cooling frame (220) and comprising a blowing box (310) configured to blow air at the upper surface of a glass sheet resting on said cooling frame, said containment device being shaped like a bell delimiting an interior space (303) as well as configured to be brought into contact at its edge with the cooling frame so that: - contact is made on either side of the glass sheet resting on the cooling frame, and - the blowing box is arranged in said interior space delimited by the containment device. Containment device (300) according to claim 12, wherein the edge is provided with airtight means configured to make contact with the glass sheet resting on the cooling frame, such as for example a seal made of braided ceramic. Cooling device (D_COLD) for glass sheets (10) configured to accommodate a cooling frame (220) and comprising a blowing box (301) configured to blow air at the upper surface of a glass sheet resting on said cooling frame, said cooling device comprising a containment device (300) according to any one of claims 12 to 13 as well as means for moving the containment device to bring it into contact with the cooling frame. Method for cooling at least one glass sheet (10) implemented using a cooling frame (220) according to claim 11 and / or a cooling device (D_COLD) according to claim 14. Method according to claim 15, wherein the thickness of said at least one glass sheet (10) is less than 3 mm, for example less than 2.6 mm, preferably less than 2.1 mm. Use of a glass sheet obtained by the process according to claim 15 or claim 16 in a dwelling or in road, air, sea or rail transport, preferably as window glazing in motor vehicles, in particular as windshield, rear glazing, side glazing or roof glazing. Installation for shaping (INS_NEW) glass sheets (10), said installation comprising:- a heating zone (Z_HEAT) for the glass sheets,- a shaping device (D_FORM) for the glass sheets,- a conveying device (D_CONV) for the glass sheets through said heating zone and to the shaping device,- a cooling device (D_COLD) for the glass sheets,- a transfer system (SYS_T) for the glass sheets from the shaping device to the cooling device, said cooling device being in accordance with claim 14 and / or the transfer system comprising a cooling frame (220) in accordance with claim 11.

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